BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS
What is a prophet? Most people think a prophet is a person who predicts future events. Although this may be an element of prophecy the actual Biblical definition of a prophet is one who speaks by inspiration, preferably divine inspiration; but too often by inspiration of their own spirit (heart) or an evil spirit. For this very reason all prophesies need to be judged or evaluated as to the source and validity of what is spoken.
1 Corinthians 14:29 – Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
Even preachers who claim to speak by inspiration or divine anointing are categorized as prophets. Jesus and the apostles Peter, John and Paul all gave stern warning that in the last days there would arise within the church false prophets (preachers, teachers and ministers). Jesus warned that they would be successful and would deceive MANY.
Therefore it behooves us to take heed to these warnings and learn what is a false prophet or minister and see what they do, how they operate, what their message is and how to recognize them.
Matthew 24:11 – "And many false prophets shall arise and shall deceive many."
Matthew 24:4-5 – "And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying I am Christ, and shall deceive many."
Matthew 24:24 – "For there shall arise false Christ's, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect."
2 Peter 2:1-3 – "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction."
1 John 4:1 – "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone into the world."
Acts 20:28-31 – "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things. to draw away disciples after them. "
It is necessary to acknowledge that false prophets exist, that they are now operating within the church, and that they are successful in seducing people into accepting false doctrines, just as they did in Old Testament times.
What is a false doctrine? Any distortion of, addition to or deletion from God's Holy Word is a false doctrine or teaching. There are varying degrees of such distortions from overt (or obvious) to covert (not easily detected). Likewise there are overt and covert false prophets. The Bible tells us that their activity increases as the return of the Lord approaches.
From Jeremiah Chapter 23 we see God's case against those particular false prophets and numerous offenses are listed that were committed by these prophets revealing their true character as being godless: false prophecies, causing people to err, lying, strengthen sinners, increase vanity, speak of their own visions, encourage despisers of God, encourage self seeking desires, proclaim lies in God's name, live in deception, cause people to forget God, replace worship of God for Baal worship, repudiate God's Word, and prophesy false dreams.
Jeremiah 23:17 – "They say still unto them that despise me, The Lord hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of their own heart, No evil shall come upon you."
These false prophet's predictions violate the laws of morality, promising peace to the wicked and no evil or judgment will result from their immorality. Know this, God does not pour out His blessings on wicked and sinful people, even if they claim to be his. Scripture says he chastises such people in order to get them to repent.
False prophets will speak lies claiming to have dreams, visions and prophesies that come from their own self-centered hearts and not by the Spirit of God. They rob the people of truth and substitute falsehoods; they use their tongues to slander, give false teachings (doctrines) and boast of their divine calling and gifting. They take lightly the severity of their influence over the people of God and instead speak vanity, empty words all the while being boastful of their position.
From Ezekiel Chapter 13 we see God's case against another set of false prophets in which He sites offenses showing the godless character of these prophets: they prophesy from their own hearts; pretend that God is speaking through them; follow their own lusts; fail to fill the gap or form a hedge for God's people through prayer and intercession; give vain and lying words of direction and council claiming God has spoken to them; they work in league with one another to confirm their lies and vain attempts at divine utterances and visions; they seduce God's people in to believing things not true; they create false hope in the people.
Ezekiel 13:3 – "Thus saith the Lord God; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing".
God pronounces woes upon these false prophets because of their deception, foolishness, slyness, irresponsibility, lying and seduction. We see that God says these false prophets "follow their own spirit" which is usually driven by lust, greed and selfishness (also referred to as the "flesh"). Then in verse 5 we see that they fail to "stand in the gap" and fail to "make up a hedge" around God's people which means they miss performing the chief work of a prophet which is being in God's presence praying and interceding for God's people.
Then in verse 8 and 9 we are told that vanity is also a problem with false prophets and false ministers. They love to parade themselves before God's people. They always have something to declare; they just can't keep quiet and fail to repose in the Lord's presence seeking communion with Him.
A true prophet's ministry is primarily before the Lord in the prayer closet and making intercession on behalf of His people. A true prophet has a heart for God and as a result knows the very heart of God and is jealous for Him. Thus true prophets speak corrective and chastising words to God's people; rebuking sinful behavior; proclaiming judgment, and foretelling the blessings of turning and repenting. True prophets come on the scene when God's people begin to lose their identity as God's people when they start living like the heathen.
The Prophets of Baal, (known as prophets of and for money), do not seek the things of the Kingdom of God, instead their pursuit is for the things of the world - material goods.
Jeremiah 2:8 – "The priests said not, Where is the Lord? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit."
And guess what? Most of the people love to hear the message of materialism, also known as the "Success and Prosperity" doctrines.
Jeremiah 5:31 – "The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?"
Why is this so; because their hearts are not truly after God but after the world.
1 John 2:15 – "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."
Luke 12:30-31 – "For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye first the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Luke 12:15 – "And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."
Notice the motive of false prophets in general:
Micah 3:11 – "The heads (leaders) thereof judge for reward and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the Lord, and say, Is not the Lord among us? none evil can come upon us."
Therefore their message is usually something like, "Peace and Prosperity"; "God will not judge or punish you"; "No need to repent and change your lifestyle"; "God is good and he will bless you always".
1 Timothy 6:5 – "Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth supposing that gain (material wealth) is godliness: from such withdraw thyself."
The message of false prophets never seems to include warnings about sin, righteousness or judgment, even though they talk about the Lord and use His Word in impressive ways.
Jeremiah 14:14-15 – "Then the Lord said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of naught, and the deceit of their heart. Therefore thus saith the Lord concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed."
Yes, they usually use His name and His Word, and do so skillfully, appearing as true ministers of God yet being "wolves in sheep's clothing", ravaging and seducing believers with false doctrines.
What is surprising to understand is that these false prophets don't realize they are false; they are convinced that they are true prophets, just as the ones in the Old Testament thought they were true prophets.
Revelation 2:20 – "Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman, Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols."
False prophets can be very convincing and even have dedicated followers. How can this be? Because of the SIGNS and WONDERS that they use to bedazzle their audiences. They operate under occult influences - empowered by Satan, the master of lies and deception. For example, consider the false prophets who ministered to Ahab.
2 Chronicles 18:18-21 – "Again he said, Therefore hear the word of the Lord; I saw the Lord sitting upon his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left. And the Lord said, Who shall entice Ahab king of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead? And one spake saying after this manner, and another saying after that manner. Then there came out a spirit, and stood before the Lord, and said, I will entice him. And the Lord said unto him wherewith? And he said, I will go out, and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets....".
An evil spirit was behind these prophets directing them to speak. The same is true today and will continue right up until the return of Jesus.
Matthew 24:24 – "For there shall arise false Christ's (anointed ones), and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect."
Matthew 7:22-23 – "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
Remember, even Satan (and his ministers) can appear as "an angel of light and ministers of righteousness".
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 – "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel if light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness....". -
We need Holy Ghost discernment to recognize what spirit is at work behind such ministers.
1 John 4:1 – "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone into the world."
False prophets and ministers will ridicule and persecute true prophets because they don't want to hear the true and pure Word of the Lord; and they want to stop the true prophets from speaking words contradictory to what they speak.
2 Chronicles 18:23-36 – "Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near, and smote Micaiah upon the cheek, and said, Which way went the spirit of the Lord from me to speak unto thee? And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see on that day when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself. Then the king of Israel said, Take ye Micaiah, and carry him back to Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king's son; and say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I return in peace." -
Let's look at another aspect of these false ministers that Jesus described.
Matthew 24:4-5 – "And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying I am Christ (anointed), and shall deceive many."
The word "Christ" (also Messiah) means "anointed", thus verse 5 reads, "For many shall come in my name, saying, I am anointed....". Does this sound familiar? This writer hears it every day on so-called Christian Television programs. What did Jesus say these ministers will do; "....and shall deceive many". How can they possibly do this; by signs and wonders allegedly working by means of the supernatural Gifts of the Spirit, but they are operating under the counterfeit – the spirit of antichrist.
Please note that lying signs and wonders differ from the true signs and wonders. The difference is the source that the signs and wonders come from. Since the charismatic movement of the 1970's we have seen the revived workings of the true Gifts of the Holy Spirit, (ref. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
Unfortunately, Satan has capitalized on these gifts by counterfeiting them through the spirit of anti-christ. Most people can't recognize the working of the spirit of anti-christ because they just are not mature in the Lord enough to recognize what is of God and what is of the devil, (ref. Hebrews 5:11-14).
A counterfeit is a look-alike, an act-alike but is not of true composition - wickedness instead of righteousness. The key to recognize which is in operation is to look for the promotion or absence of righteousness and more of an entertaining and exciting "show".
We are instructed in 1 John 4:1 to discern or test the spirits that are in operation. If you can't discern or recognize within your own Christ-filled and spirit-led being, then you better be able to recognize the outward clues such as: their incomplete personal confession of Jesus Christ; their relationship with the world and indulgence, (whereas true prophets withdraw from the world and its pleasures); the false will shun fellowship and relationship with true servants of God preferring to hang with and identify with their own type; their attitude toward God's Commandments, making excuses rather than exhorting obedience; the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (evidenced by the Fruit of the Spirit); and the pure Word of God coming out of them.
Next we should be able to recognize the obvious, but since MANY are deceived, then what should be obvious seems to go right over many people's heads.
Matthew 7:15-20 – "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth corrupt fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."
Note that in verse 15 Jesus calls these New Testament false prophets "ravening wolves". The apostle Paul also referred to wolves ravaging the flock of God.
Acts 20:29-30 – "For I know this, that after my departing shall grevious wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them."
Clearly they come from within the church and appear from among the sheep, but "inwardly, they are ravening wolves". Consider what wolves are and how they operate. First and foremost they are carnivores, meaning they feed on flesh of others for the benefit of their own flesh. Flesh is representative of selfish lusts. Thus they feed on the sheep (God's flock). They live off the sheep - using them to better themselves and to satisfy their fleshly lusts, greed and desires. In so doing they ravage the flock of God, the church.
Such ministers do not build up the church in spiritual quality unto maturity. They prefer to keep the sheep fat, dumb and happy with false doctrines like "success and prosperity", and how they can have what they want by speaking it or claiming it in Jesus' Holy name. As the sheep grow fat with material goods and wealth, these false ministers prey on them for their own benefit.
Another thing about wolves is they operate in packs and not solo. One of these false prophets comes up with some strange teaching or "prophetic word", and then another one comes along and endorses it. Then along come more to add to it or embellish that lie from hell. Then they corporately feed on the sheep, sucking them dry financially as well as spiritually. I see this all the time on what is called "Christian" television where I observe the greatest concentration of these wolves operating as a pack.
True prophets and ministers are known by their FRUIT - NOT THEIR GIFTS. Satan can empower his prophets and ministers with false/counterfeit gifts. Satan cannot duplicate or counterfeit the FRUIT. That is why Jesus said we are to know and recognize them by their FRUIT. What FRUIT are we to look for? Not WORKS! Man can do all kinds of works apart for God. He can even build churches that appear to be great successes like the one in Laodicea in which Christ was not in, (ref. Revelation 3:14-20). Man cannot produce the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT apart from intimacy with Him.
John 15:4-5 – "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, expect ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing" (regarding fruit production). -
Just what is the fruit referred to in this passage? It's the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT as listed in Galatians 5:22-23. The Fruit of the Spirit is the character and nature of God. This is what you are to look for and see in those who minister:
LOVE
JOY
PEACE
LONGSUFFERING
GENTLENESS
GOODNESS
FAITH
MEEKNESS
TEMPERANCE
All of which were manifested in Jesus our Lord which he received from his Heavenly Father; "for in Him dwelleth all the fullness of God". Please realize that false prophets, ministers, preachers and teachers can preach God's Word, use the name of Jesus and even produce signs and wonders.
Matthew 7:22 – "Many will say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?"
The difference between them and true ministers is that the true ministers bring forth the Word that builds the saints upon the true rock. False prophets and ministers bring forth words that do not build spiritual quality and maturity.
Matthew 7:24-27 – "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it."
True ministers OBEY CHRIST and are led of His Spirit in the way they minister to the flock. False ministers do not obey the leading and directing of the Lord by His Spirit; instead they do things and perform the work of the ministry their own way, or the way men taught them to. Thus they work by "iniquity"; and iniquity means rebellion, or better described as "DOING YOUR OWN THING", as opposed to doing things HIS WAY.
Consider whose house is being built in Matthew 7:24-27. IT'S HIS HOUSE - THE CHURCH! True prophets and ministers build His way and the saints are made strong and mature so that when the storms of life, trials and tribulations come at them - they stand strong because they are firmly grounded on the unshakable rock and the Word of God. However, false prophets and ministers don't build as per Christ's instructions and as led by the Holy Spirit. As a result their followers are not strong in spirit and crumble when life's storms, trials and tribulations hit them. Those churches fall apart and lay in ruin.
In the end, God will deal with false prophets and false shepherds that are building in error or according to their own methods.
Ezekiel 13:8-11 – "Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord God. And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord God. Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace ; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and lo, others daubed it with untempered mortar: say unto them which daub it with untempered mortar, that it shall fall: there shall be an overflowing shower; and ye, O great hailstones, shall fall; and a stormy wind shall rend it."
Ezekiel 34:1-2 – "As I live, saith the Lord God, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock; therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the Lord; Thus saith the Lord God; Behold I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them."
Revelation 2:21-23 – "And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit (spiritual) adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works."
If you want to see examples of false prophets and ministers, just turn on a "Christian" television program such as many aired on TBN. You will see and hear some true and many false prophets and ministers. They strongly and boldly proclaim success and prosperity teachings which is basically, the pursuit of money, materialism, and the makings of the Laodicean type church.
A recent example seen by this writer on a “Christian TV” program in April 2004 that was an overtly false doctrine was a minister, whose name is unknown to this writer, who began preaching from the Koran, the Holy Book of Islam. He stated that the Koran was 95% Bible and that we need to unite with Islam because they acknowledge the same God as Christians and Jews. Such blasphemy was just too much for me to bear and I had to turn him off.
Obviously this man has not studied Islam as I have, nor does he recognize Islam as the religion of the false prophet, nor does he know that to Muslims, their god, Allah, is unknowable and not personal. Nor does he know that their god was named after Muhammad's earthly physical father. Neither does he know that Islam has numerous sects and divisions like the denominations of the church, and that within them are great extremes and contradictions. And obviously he does not recognize that the Koran was inspired by Satan, the lying deceiver, who compelled Muhammad to write a perverted and distorted version of the Old Testament. Nor does he know that Mohammad himself claimed to be possessed by an evil spirit.
Shocking to say the least, but there it was, false doctrines and prophecies being broadcast around the world, and the audience just "ate it up". What makes a false prophet false? His message! If what he proclaims, preaches, teaches or prophesies has error in it - then it is false! 95% truth mixed with 5% error is a false message or doctrine. The 5% is like poison or cancer - it is destructive. You must know the TRUTH! The whole truth!
John 4:23-34 – "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and in truth."
John 8:32 - "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
Jude address false prophets and ministers in his brief epistle.
Jude 3 – "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common
salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints."
Jude 11 – "Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core."
The apostle Paul also mentions the same concern.
2 Timothy 3:4-7 – "Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." -
Another way to identify false prophets and ministers is to note what they DO NOT say. They don't preach against SIN; they don't preach repentance and change; they don't encourage righteousness; they don't warn of God's coming judgment on ungodly behavior; and they don't exhort people to pray and draw close to the Lord. They don't warn God's people to get out of churches that maintain Babylonian based doctrines and traditions that have been handed down for centuries primarily through the Roman Catholic Church and that have their root in ancient Babylon, (Revelation 18:4-5). False prophets and ministers will not expose the enemy and his ploys because they are his unwitting servants.
False prophets and ministers will have people focus their attention on their "ministry gifts" by repeatedly telling them that they are a Prophet or Apostle, etc. They will also wrongly call their works and accomplishments the "fruit" that you are to look for in their ministry.
True gifted and called of God prophets and ministers don't have to call your attention to their gifting or flash their business cards with their title of Prophet, etc. True ministers are known by their ministry! They don't parade it in front of you because of their "meekness" (or humility) which is one of the "Fruits of the Spirit". In addition, true prophets primary ministry is calling people to repent of their sins and return to God.
Jesus repeatedly gave strong warning that the incident of false prophets and ministers in the last days would not be rare but abundantly frequent; and they will be successful in deceiving many. Heed His words:
Matthew 7:15-16 – "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruit."
Matthew 24:4 – "And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying I am Christ (anointed), and shall deceive many".
Matthew 24:11 – "And many false prophets shall arise and shall deceive many".
Matthew 24:24 – "For there shall arise false Christ's (anointed ones), and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect".
What is a prophet? Most people think a prophet is a person who predicts future events. Although this may be an element of prophecy the actual Biblical definition of a prophet is one who speaks by inspiration, preferably divine inspiration; but too often by inspiration of their own spirit (heart) or an evil spirit. For this very reason all prophesies need to be judged or evaluated as to the source and validity of what is spoken.
1 Corinthians 14:29 – Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
Even preachers who claim to speak by inspiration or divine anointing are categorized as prophets. Jesus and the apostles Peter, John and Paul all gave stern warning that in the last days there would arise within the church false prophets (preachers, teachers and ministers). Jesus warned that they would be successful and would deceive MANY.
Therefore it behooves us to take heed to these warnings and learn what is a false prophet or minister and see what they do, how they operate, what their message is and how to recognize them.
Matthew 24:11 – "And many false prophets shall arise and shall deceive many."
Matthew 24:4-5 – "And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying I am Christ, and shall deceive many."
Matthew 24:24 – "For there shall arise false Christ's, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect."
2 Peter 2:1-3 – "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction."
1 John 4:1 – "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone into the world."
Acts 20:28-31 – "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things. to draw away disciples after them. "
It is necessary to acknowledge that false prophets exist, that they are now operating within the church, and that they are successful in seducing people into accepting false doctrines, just as they did in Old Testament times.
What is a false doctrine? Any distortion of, addition to or deletion from God's Holy Word is a false doctrine or teaching. There are varying degrees of such distortions from overt (or obvious) to covert (not easily detected). Likewise there are overt and covert false prophets. The Bible tells us that their activity increases as the return of the Lord approaches.
From Jeremiah Chapter 23 we see God's case against those particular false prophets and numerous offenses are listed that were committed by these prophets revealing their true character as being godless: false prophecies, causing people to err, lying, strengthen sinners, increase vanity, speak of their own visions, encourage despisers of God, encourage self seeking desires, proclaim lies in God's name, live in deception, cause people to forget God, replace worship of God for Baal worship, repudiate God's Word, and prophesy false dreams.
Jeremiah 23:17 – "They say still unto them that despise me, The Lord hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of their own heart, No evil shall come upon you."
These false prophet's predictions violate the laws of morality, promising peace to the wicked and no evil or judgment will result from their immorality. Know this, God does not pour out His blessings on wicked and sinful people, even if they claim to be his. Scripture says he chastises such people in order to get them to repent.
False prophets will speak lies claiming to have dreams, visions and prophesies that come from their own self-centered hearts and not by the Spirit of God. They rob the people of truth and substitute falsehoods; they use their tongues to slander, give false teachings (doctrines) and boast of their divine calling and gifting. They take lightly the severity of their influence over the people of God and instead speak vanity, empty words all the while being boastful of their position.
From Ezekiel Chapter 13 we see God's case against another set of false prophets in which He sites offenses showing the godless character of these prophets: they prophesy from their own hearts; pretend that God is speaking through them; follow their own lusts; fail to fill the gap or form a hedge for God's people through prayer and intercession; give vain and lying words of direction and council claiming God has spoken to them; they work in league with one another to confirm their lies and vain attempts at divine utterances and visions; they seduce God's people in to believing things not true; they create false hope in the people.
Ezekiel 13:3 – "Thus saith the Lord God; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing".
God pronounces woes upon these false prophets because of their deception, foolishness, slyness, irresponsibility, lying and seduction. We see that God says these false prophets "follow their own spirit" which is usually driven by lust, greed and selfishness (also referred to as the "flesh"). Then in verse 5 we see that they fail to "stand in the gap" and fail to "make up a hedge" around God's people which means they miss performing the chief work of a prophet which is being in God's presence praying and interceding for God's people.
Then in verse 8 and 9 we are told that vanity is also a problem with false prophets and false ministers. They love to parade themselves before God's people. They always have something to declare; they just can't keep quiet and fail to repose in the Lord's presence seeking communion with Him.
A true prophet's ministry is primarily before the Lord in the prayer closet and making intercession on behalf of His people. A true prophet has a heart for God and as a result knows the very heart of God and is jealous for Him. Thus true prophets speak corrective and chastising words to God's people; rebuking sinful behavior; proclaiming judgment, and foretelling the blessings of turning and repenting. True prophets come on the scene when God's people begin to lose their identity as God's people when they start living like the heathen.
The Prophets of Baal, (known as prophets of and for money), do not seek the things of the Kingdom of God, instead their pursuit is for the things of the world - material goods.
Jeremiah 2:8 – "The priests said not, Where is the Lord? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit."
And guess what? Most of the people love to hear the message of materialism, also known as the "Success and Prosperity" doctrines.
Jeremiah 5:31 – "The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?"
Why is this so; because their hearts are not truly after God but after the world.
1 John 2:15 – "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."
Luke 12:30-31 – "For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye first the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Luke 12:15 – "And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."
Notice the motive of false prophets in general:
Micah 3:11 – "The heads (leaders) thereof judge for reward and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the Lord, and say, Is not the Lord among us? none evil can come upon us."
Therefore their message is usually something like, "Peace and Prosperity"; "God will not judge or punish you"; "No need to repent and change your lifestyle"; "God is good and he will bless you always".
1 Timothy 6:5 – "Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth supposing that gain (material wealth) is godliness: from such withdraw thyself."
The message of false prophets never seems to include warnings about sin, righteousness or judgment, even though they talk about the Lord and use His Word in impressive ways.
Jeremiah 14:14-15 – "Then the Lord said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of naught, and the deceit of their heart. Therefore thus saith the Lord concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed."
Yes, they usually use His name and His Word, and do so skillfully, appearing as true ministers of God yet being "wolves in sheep's clothing", ravaging and seducing believers with false doctrines.
What is surprising to understand is that these false prophets don't realize they are false; they are convinced that they are true prophets, just as the ones in the Old Testament thought they were true prophets.
Revelation 2:20 – "Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman, Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols."
False prophets can be very convincing and even have dedicated followers. How can this be? Because of the SIGNS and WONDERS that they use to bedazzle their audiences. They operate under occult influences - empowered by Satan, the master of lies and deception. For example, consider the false prophets who ministered to Ahab.
2 Chronicles 18:18-21 – "Again he said, Therefore hear the word of the Lord; I saw the Lord sitting upon his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left. And the Lord said, Who shall entice Ahab king of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead? And one spake saying after this manner, and another saying after that manner. Then there came out a spirit, and stood before the Lord, and said, I will entice him. And the Lord said unto him wherewith? And he said, I will go out, and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets....".
An evil spirit was behind these prophets directing them to speak. The same is true today and will continue right up until the return of Jesus.
Matthew 24:24 – "For there shall arise false Christ's (anointed ones), and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect."
Matthew 7:22-23 – "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
Remember, even Satan (and his ministers) can appear as "an angel of light and ministers of righteousness".
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 – "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel if light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness....". -
We need Holy Ghost discernment to recognize what spirit is at work behind such ministers.
1 John 4:1 – "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone into the world."
False prophets and ministers will ridicule and persecute true prophets because they don't want to hear the true and pure Word of the Lord; and they want to stop the true prophets from speaking words contradictory to what they speak.
2 Chronicles 18:23-36 – "Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near, and smote Micaiah upon the cheek, and said, Which way went the spirit of the Lord from me to speak unto thee? And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see on that day when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself. Then the king of Israel said, Take ye Micaiah, and carry him back to Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king's son; and say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I return in peace." -
Let's look at another aspect of these false ministers that Jesus described.
Matthew 24:4-5 – "And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying I am Christ (anointed), and shall deceive many."
The word "Christ" (also Messiah) means "anointed", thus verse 5 reads, "For many shall come in my name, saying, I am anointed....". Does this sound familiar? This writer hears it every day on so-called Christian Television programs. What did Jesus say these ministers will do; "....and shall deceive many". How can they possibly do this; by signs and wonders allegedly working by means of the supernatural Gifts of the Spirit, but they are operating under the counterfeit – the spirit of antichrist.
Please note that lying signs and wonders differ from the true signs and wonders. The difference is the source that the signs and wonders come from. Since the charismatic movement of the 1970's we have seen the revived workings of the true Gifts of the Holy Spirit, (ref. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
Unfortunately, Satan has capitalized on these gifts by counterfeiting them through the spirit of anti-christ. Most people can't recognize the working of the spirit of anti-christ because they just are not mature in the Lord enough to recognize what is of God and what is of the devil, (ref. Hebrews 5:11-14).
A counterfeit is a look-alike, an act-alike but is not of true composition - wickedness instead of righteousness. The key to recognize which is in operation is to look for the promotion or absence of righteousness and more of an entertaining and exciting "show".
We are instructed in 1 John 4:1 to discern or test the spirits that are in operation. If you can't discern or recognize within your own Christ-filled and spirit-led being, then you better be able to recognize the outward clues such as: their incomplete personal confession of Jesus Christ; their relationship with the world and indulgence, (whereas true prophets withdraw from the world and its pleasures); the false will shun fellowship and relationship with true servants of God preferring to hang with and identify with their own type; their attitude toward God's Commandments, making excuses rather than exhorting obedience; the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (evidenced by the Fruit of the Spirit); and the pure Word of God coming out of them.
Next we should be able to recognize the obvious, but since MANY are deceived, then what should be obvious seems to go right over many people's heads.
Matthew 7:15-20 – "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth corrupt fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."
Note that in verse 15 Jesus calls these New Testament false prophets "ravening wolves". The apostle Paul also referred to wolves ravaging the flock of God.
Acts 20:29-30 – "For I know this, that after my departing shall grevious wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them."
Clearly they come from within the church and appear from among the sheep, but "inwardly, they are ravening wolves". Consider what wolves are and how they operate. First and foremost they are carnivores, meaning they feed on flesh of others for the benefit of their own flesh. Flesh is representative of selfish lusts. Thus they feed on the sheep (God's flock). They live off the sheep - using them to better themselves and to satisfy their fleshly lusts, greed and desires. In so doing they ravage the flock of God, the church.
Such ministers do not build up the church in spiritual quality unto maturity. They prefer to keep the sheep fat, dumb and happy with false doctrines like "success and prosperity", and how they can have what they want by speaking it or claiming it in Jesus' Holy name. As the sheep grow fat with material goods and wealth, these false ministers prey on them for their own benefit.
Another thing about wolves is they operate in packs and not solo. One of these false prophets comes up with some strange teaching or "prophetic word", and then another one comes along and endorses it. Then along come more to add to it or embellish that lie from hell. Then they corporately feed on the sheep, sucking them dry financially as well as spiritually. I see this all the time on what is called "Christian" television where I observe the greatest concentration of these wolves operating as a pack.
True prophets and ministers are known by their FRUIT - NOT THEIR GIFTS. Satan can empower his prophets and ministers with false/counterfeit gifts. Satan cannot duplicate or counterfeit the FRUIT. That is why Jesus said we are to know and recognize them by their FRUIT. What FRUIT are we to look for? Not WORKS! Man can do all kinds of works apart for God. He can even build churches that appear to be great successes like the one in Laodicea in which Christ was not in, (ref. Revelation 3:14-20). Man cannot produce the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT apart from intimacy with Him.
John 15:4-5 – "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, expect ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing" (regarding fruit production). -
Just what is the fruit referred to in this passage? It's the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT as listed in Galatians 5:22-23. The Fruit of the Spirit is the character and nature of God. This is what you are to look for and see in those who minister:
LOVE
JOY
PEACE
LONGSUFFERING
GENTLENESS
GOODNESS
FAITH
MEEKNESS
TEMPERANCE
All of which were manifested in Jesus our Lord which he received from his Heavenly Father; "for in Him dwelleth all the fullness of God". Please realize that false prophets, ministers, preachers and teachers can preach God's Word, use the name of Jesus and even produce signs and wonders.
Matthew 7:22 – "Many will say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?"
The difference between them and true ministers is that the true ministers bring forth the Word that builds the saints upon the true rock. False prophets and ministers bring forth words that do not build spiritual quality and maturity.
Matthew 7:24-27 – "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it."
True ministers OBEY CHRIST and are led of His Spirit in the way they minister to the flock. False ministers do not obey the leading and directing of the Lord by His Spirit; instead they do things and perform the work of the ministry their own way, or the way men taught them to. Thus they work by "iniquity"; and iniquity means rebellion, or better described as "DOING YOUR OWN THING", as opposed to doing things HIS WAY.
Consider whose house is being built in Matthew 7:24-27. IT'S HIS HOUSE - THE CHURCH! True prophets and ministers build His way and the saints are made strong and mature so that when the storms of life, trials and tribulations come at them - they stand strong because they are firmly grounded on the unshakable rock and the Word of God. However, false prophets and ministers don't build as per Christ's instructions and as led by the Holy Spirit. As a result their followers are not strong in spirit and crumble when life's storms, trials and tribulations hit them. Those churches fall apart and lay in ruin.
In the end, God will deal with false prophets and false shepherds that are building in error or according to their own methods.
Ezekiel 13:8-11 – "Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord God. And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord God. Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace ; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and lo, others daubed it with untempered mortar: say unto them which daub it with untempered mortar, that it shall fall: there shall be an overflowing shower; and ye, O great hailstones, shall fall; and a stormy wind shall rend it."
Ezekiel 34:1-2 – "As I live, saith the Lord God, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock; therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the Lord; Thus saith the Lord God; Behold I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them."
Revelation 2:21-23 – "And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit (spiritual) adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works."
If you want to see examples of false prophets and ministers, just turn on a "Christian" television program such as many aired on TBN. You will see and hear some true and many false prophets and ministers. They strongly and boldly proclaim success and prosperity teachings which is basically, the pursuit of money, materialism, and the makings of the Laodicean type church.
A recent example seen by this writer on a “Christian TV” program in April 2004 that was an overtly false doctrine was a minister, whose name is unknown to this writer, who began preaching from the Koran, the Holy Book of Islam. He stated that the Koran was 95% Bible and that we need to unite with Islam because they acknowledge the same God as Christians and Jews. Such blasphemy was just too much for me to bear and I had to turn him off.
Obviously this man has not studied Islam as I have, nor does he recognize Islam as the religion of the false prophet, nor does he know that to Muslims, their god, Allah, is unknowable and not personal. Nor does he know that their god was named after Muhammad's earthly physical father. Neither does he know that Islam has numerous sects and divisions like the denominations of the church, and that within them are great extremes and contradictions. And obviously he does not recognize that the Koran was inspired by Satan, the lying deceiver, who compelled Muhammad to write a perverted and distorted version of the Old Testament. Nor does he know that Mohammad himself claimed to be possessed by an evil spirit.
Shocking to say the least, but there it was, false doctrines and prophecies being broadcast around the world, and the audience just "ate it up". What makes a false prophet false? His message! If what he proclaims, preaches, teaches or prophesies has error in it - then it is false! 95% truth mixed with 5% error is a false message or doctrine. The 5% is like poison or cancer - it is destructive. You must know the TRUTH! The whole truth!
John 4:23-34 – "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and in truth."
John 8:32 - "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
Jude address false prophets and ministers in his brief epistle.
Jude 3 – "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common
salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints."
Jude 11 – "Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core."
The apostle Paul also mentions the same concern.
2 Timothy 3:4-7 – "Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." -
Another way to identify false prophets and ministers is to note what they DO NOT say. They don't preach against SIN; they don't preach repentance and change; they don't encourage righteousness; they don't warn of God's coming judgment on ungodly behavior; and they don't exhort people to pray and draw close to the Lord. They don't warn God's people to get out of churches that maintain Babylonian based doctrines and traditions that have been handed down for centuries primarily through the Roman Catholic Church and that have their root in ancient Babylon, (Revelation 18:4-5). False prophets and ministers will not expose the enemy and his ploys because they are his unwitting servants.
False prophets and ministers will have people focus their attention on their "ministry gifts" by repeatedly telling them that they are a Prophet or Apostle, etc. They will also wrongly call their works and accomplishments the "fruit" that you are to look for in their ministry.
True gifted and called of God prophets and ministers don't have to call your attention to their gifting or flash their business cards with their title of Prophet, etc. True ministers are known by their ministry! They don't parade it in front of you because of their "meekness" (or humility) which is one of the "Fruits of the Spirit". In addition, true prophets primary ministry is calling people to repent of their sins and return to God.
Jesus repeatedly gave strong warning that the incident of false prophets and ministers in the last days would not be rare but abundantly frequent; and they will be successful in deceiving many. Heed His words:
Matthew 7:15-16 – "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruit."
Matthew 24:4 – "And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying I am Christ (anointed), and shall deceive many".
Matthew 24:11 – "And many false prophets shall arise and shall deceive many".
Matthew 24:24 – "For there shall arise false Christ's (anointed ones), and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect".
